# herald

/ˈhɛɹəɫd/ (US) · /hˈɛɹəld/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/herald
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a sign of things to come

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a person or thing that shows that something else is about to happen.

For teachers: a harbinger or sign that indicates the approach of a significant event or change.

- The first few yellow leaves are a herald of the coming autumn.
- The sudden drop in interest rates was seen by many economists as a herald of a broader market recovery.

### 2. a messenger

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary · Archaic

a person who carries important news or messages.

For teachers: a messenger, especially one employed by a monarch or state to deliver official proclamations.

- In the old story, a herald arrived at the village to announce the king's visit.
- The royal herald stood in the town square, reading the new decree to the gathered citizens.

### 3. an advertisement

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

a small printed paper or notice used to advertise something.

For teachers: a handbill or printed notice consisting of an advertisement.

- The shop owner handed out a herald for the upcoming summer sale.
- The local theatre distributed a brightly coloured herald to promote their new production of the play.

### 4. to announce

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to announce or signal that something important is starting.

For teachers: to proclaim or announce the arrival or start of something, often with a sense of ceremony or importance.

- The loud music heralded the start of the parade.
- The CEO's keynote speech was intended to herald a new era of innovation for the technology firm.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice or to describe events that signal change.

## Examples

- The first flowers are a herald of spring.
- In the tech industry, the release of this new chip is seen as a herald of a faster computing era.
- The sudden drop in stock prices served as a grim herald of the economic recession that would soon grip the entire continent.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.